Summer is just around the corner. Before we know it, it will be time to shed those winter blues and it’ll be time to trade indoors for outdoors, and bulky winter layers for shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits. Jumping into summer is as easy as 1, 2, 3 with these three tips on how to prepare your body for summer.
1. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is an important first step as you prepare your body for summer. Besides being a super mood brightener, regular exercise will also help you burn off any extra pounds that may have found you over winter and tone up your muscles that will no longer be buried in layers upon layers of clothing. Even more, when you feel fitter, you start to hold yourself up stronger and prouder. Posture improves and you simply look healthier overall.
If you are a novice to exercise, taking simple walks are a great place to start. Begin with three 20-minute walks a week and work your way up to five 30-minute walks. If you’ve been dedicated to your exercise program throughout winter, try mixing your routine up with different classes at the gym or take your workout outside and wake up some of the muscles that may have decided to take a nap over winter.
2. Fruits & Vegetables
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables is the second step in your quest to prepare your body for summer. Since fruits and veggies are “in season” this time of year, this is the best time to enjoy them.
In addition to being delectable, fresh produce is rich in antioxidants which are helpful in protecting the skin from harmful effects of the sun. Even better, studies have shown that diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables can help put up a good fight against heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
Last, but not least, these delicious fresh foods will fill you up on fewer total calories. Filling up on fewer calories means fewer calories you’ll have to burn to achieve your weight loss goals! Another added bonus: diets rich in fruits and veggies help you feel better in general, keep your system regular, and help your hair, skin, and nails look better. That’s a full-body win, inside and out!
3. Hydrate
Lastly, the final essential step to prepare your body for summer is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Wondering how much water to drink? A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your bodyweight in ounces of water. In other words, a 150-pound individual should consume approximately nine 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Don’t forget that the more active you are, the more water you should drink because you’ll be sweating.
Now you’re probably wondering why it’s important to drink so much water. Water accounts for about 60% of your body. That said, every system in your body depends on water. Ample water intake can help with weight loss and preventing wrinkles, keep your skin moistened, and with helping ward off heat exhaustion. Keeping well hydrated also helps with flushing toxins out of your body, prevents cramps, increases energy, and boosts your immune system. Who knew something so simple could do so much?
It might not feel like summer quite yet, but it’s never too early to start preparing your body for warmer days. By following these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to feeling great, looking good, and leading a healthy life.
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